CLINICAL - Inflating the Cuff of the Endotracheal Tube

Question 1

Describe how to inflate the cuff on an endotracheal tube

Answer 1

1. Pre-fill your syringe with 5-10mls of air
2. Attach the syringe to the one way valve of the ‘pilot balloon’
3. Partially close the APL valve and slowly squeeze the reservoir bag, giving the patient a breath. Fully open the APL valve to allow the patient to exhale
4. As the reservoir bag is squeezed and breath given, listen around the patient’s mouth for any air escaping/rushing around the ET tube
5. If air is heard escaping/rushing around the tube, then inject air into the pilot-balloon until no further air is audibly doing so
6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you are happy no further air is escaping. This may be done over several breaths